From control to return: what happened?
Before 2011, Syria had a strong vaccination system and high coverage that exceeded 90% for the core vaccines, and it had largely controlled measles. But the years of conflict severely weakened the health system, and in some areas coverage of certain vaccines fell to very low levels.
As a result of this decline, measles outbreaks reappeared, and the waves of 2017 and 2018 were among the largest since measles was declared controlled in Syria in the late 1990s. They were concentrated in areas that saw intense conflict and displacement.
The return of a disease that was under control is no coincidence, but a direct sign that a large number of children did not receive their doses. This makes protecting children through vaccination an urgent issue.
- Before the war: vaccination coverage exceeded 90% for the core vaccines.
- During the conflict: a sharp drop in coverage in some areas.
- 2017 and 2018: among the largest measles waves since the late 1990s.
- Concentrated in areas of conflict and displacement.
Why is measles dangerous?
Measles is not just a passing rash and fever. It is one of the most contagious diseases and spreads very easily among the unvaccinated, as a single case is enough to infect many people around them.
Measles can cause serious complications, especially in young children and those with malnutrition or weak immunity. These include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and severe diarrhea and dehydration, and it can be life-threatening in some cases. This is why preventing it with a vaccine is far more important than treating it after it happens.
Why does coverage drop in conflict?
The decline in vaccination in conflict areas has interconnected causes. Repeated displacement interrupts children's follow-up and loses their records, and damage to health centers and power cuts make it hard to store vaccines that need careful refrigeration.
Added to this is the insecurity that prevents families from reaching vaccination points, staff shortages, and sometimes misinformation that spreads hesitancy. The combination of these factors leaves immunity gaps through which disease slips in.
- Displacement and loss of vaccination records.
- Damaged centers and broken vaccine cold chains.
- Insecurity, difficulty reaching services, and staff shortages.
- Misinformation that increases hesitancy toward the vaccine.
Herd immunity: why vaccinating everyone matters
When a large share of children are vaccinated, it becomes hard for a disease to spread, forming what is called herd immunity or community immunity. This immunity also protects those who cannot take the vaccine, such as very young infants or those with special immune conditions.
But this protection collapses if the share of vaccinated people drops, and the disease finds gaps to spread through. So vaccinating your child does not protect them alone, it also helps protect the children of the neighborhood and the whole community, and this is a shared responsibility.
Vaccines are safe and effective
Vaccines are among the medical achievements that have saved lives around the world. The measles vaccine, often given as part of a combined vaccine that includes measles, mumps, and rubella, is safe and effective, and it has been used for decades for millions of children.
It is natural for parents to worry, and some mild side effects such as a slight fever or redness at the injection site are possible and pass quickly. But the danger of the disease itself is far greater than these mild effects. For any question or concern, talk to a doctor or health worker rather than relying on rumors.
The importance of vaccination is not limited to measles, but includes other serious diseases such as polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough, all of which can be prevented with a regular vaccination schedule.
What do you do as a parent?
The first step is to check your child's vaccination card and know which doses they have had and which they missed. If your child missed doses because of displacement or circumstances, it is not too late, as missed doses can be caught up.
Take advantage of catch-up vaccination campaigns that are sometimes organized to reach children who missed vaccines, and ask at the nearest health center about the schedule suitable for your child's age. Do not hesitate to ask the health worker your questions, as your knowledge protects your child.
Remember that this article is for general awareness only and does not replace consulting a doctor or health worker, who determines the schedule suitable for your child and their situation.
- Check your child's vaccination card and identify missing doses.
- Complete missed doses, as it is usually not too late.
- Take advantage of catch-up vaccination campaigns when available.
- Ask at the health center about the schedule suitable for your child's age.
The Sihtak app helps you organize your children's vaccinations in one place within the family health profile, with reminders for upcoming dose dates so you never miss one. You can photograph the vaccination card to keep it digitally, safe from the risk of loss, and ask the AI assistant general questions about vaccines, while it always directs you to the health center or doctor to make the right decision.
Frequently asked questions
Are childhood vaccines safe?
Yes, vaccines are safe and effective and have been used for decades for millions of children, saving many lives. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as a slight fever, and the danger of the disease itself is far greater. For any concern, talk to a doctor or health worker.
My child missed some doses, is it too late?
No, it is usually not too late. Missed doses can be caught up through the health center or catch-up vaccination campaigns. Ask the health worker about the schedule suitable for your child's age to complete what was missed.
Is measles really dangerous?
Yes, measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, especially in young children and with malnutrition. Prevention with a vaccine is far better than facing the disease and its complications.
Where can I vaccinate my child?
Through health centers and vaccination campaigns organized in the areas. Ask at the nearest health center about vaccination times and the schedule suitable for your child's age, and bring the vaccination card if available.
Sources
This content is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, see your doctor.